India’s first satellite-based helicopter approach procedure approved, paving way for safer remote operations
India has approved its first Point-in-Space Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations, marking a new step in the use of satellite-based navigation for heliports in the country.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the country’s first Private Point-in-Space, or PinS, Instrument Approach Procedure has been approved for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport.
The procedure has been developed by the Airports Authority of India and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
According to the ministry, the PinS procedure has been designed in line with DGCA regulations and International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices.
Point-in-Space procedures use advanced satellite-based navigation technology to allow helicopters to carry out safe and precise instrument approaches to heliports that do not have conventional instrument landing infrastructure.
The ministry said the system is particularly useful during adverse weather conditions and in areas where ground-based navigation aids are not available.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the approval marks the beginning of a new phase for helicopter operations in India.
“The introduction of India’s first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure marks the beginning of a new era in helicopter operations by significantly enhancing flight safety, operational efficiency and all-weather accessibility,” Naidu said.
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The minister said the approval was achieved through coordinated work by the Airports Authority of India, DGCA and the Andhra Pradesh government.
He said the government’s priority is to adopt modern technologies to make helicopter operations more reliable and accessible across the country.
Naidu also linked the development with the recently completed first phase of this year’s Char Dham helicopter operations, which he said concluded successfully without any incident and was supported by upgraded technological infrastructure.
“Our commitment is to build a technology-driven and globally benchmarked helicopter ecosystem in India,” the minister said.
The ministry said the approval is expected to open the way for similar PinS procedures across India.
Such procedures are expected to support emergency medical services, disaster relief operations, tourism, offshore activities, pilgrimage services, corporate aviation and regional connectivity.
The ministry said PinS procedures will enable safer Instrument Flight Rules operations to remote and strategically important locations, improve operational reliability and reduce weather-related disruptions.
Naidu said India’s aviation sector is moving towards greater use of performance-based navigation and satellite-based technologies.
He said the approval of the first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure follows the recent successful demonstration of the country’s first indigenous GAGAN-based precision approach by a commercial aircraft.
The ministry said the milestone reflects India’s effort to adopt global aviation practices, strengthen helicopter connectivity and improve aviation safety through modern satellite-based navigation.
The development is also expected to support future helicopter operations in areas where conventional ground-based landing infrastructure is limited or difficult to install.
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